Multidistributing device for die-setting and line-casting machines



March 5, 1963 DEBUS 3,080,046

I MULTIDISTRIBUTING DEVICE FOR DIE-SETTING AND LINE-CASTING MACHINESFiled Nov. 14, 1960 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOP ATTORNEYS March 5, 1963 K.DEBUS 3,080,046 MULTIDISTRIBUTING DEVICE FOR DIE-SETTING ANDLINE-CASTING MACHINES Filed Nov. 14, 1960 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Amt/1+ATTORNEYS March 5, 1963 K. DEBUS 3,

MULTIDISTRIBUTING DEVICE FOR DIE-SETTING AND LINE-CASTING MACHINES FiledNov. 14, 1960 e Sheets-Sheet s INVENTOP A1421. D5805 Awiw ATTORNEYSMarch 5, .1963 K. DEBUS MULTIDISTRIBUTING DEVICE FOR DIE-SETTING ANDLINE-CASTING MACHINES Filed Nov. 14, 1960 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 pvvcwrog KARLD55 ATTORNE YS March 5, 1963 K. DEBUS 3,080,046

MULTIDISTRIBUTING DEVICE FOR DIE-SETTING AND LINE-CASTING MACHINES 6Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed NOV. 14, 1960 INVENTOP KARL D5805 ATTORNEYS i March5, 1963 K. DEBUS 3,080,046

MULTIDISTRIBUTING DEVICE FOR DIE-SETTING AND LINE-CASTING MACHINES 6Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Nov. 14, 1960 11v VENIOP KA R L D155 U5 ATTORNEYSUnited States Patent 3,080,046 MULTIDISTRIBUTING DEVICE FOR DlE-SETTINAND LINE-CASTING MAC Karl Debus, Bad Hamburg vor der Hohe, Germany, as-

signor to Linotype G.m.b.I-l., Frankfurt am Main, Germany, a Germancompany Filed Nov. 14, 1950, Ser. No. 68,946 11 Claims. (Cl. 199-39)This invention relates to matrix setting and line casting machines whichhave a multi-distributor mechanism which in known manner comprises adistributor, a plurality of receiving boxes and racks. Two fundamentallydiiferent constructions of matrix-setting and linecasting machines areknown. The so-called single-distributor machine generally has aplurality of magazines from which setting is effected alternatively. Thechangeover from one magazine to another cannot be effected until all thematrices released before the magazine change-over have been distributedinto the associated magazine. The magazine stacks are generally movedtransversely into the magazine stack position between the carrier inletand the distributor.

When large-body matrices are used on such matrixsetting and line-castingmachines the standard-size magazines are frequently replaced by what areknown as split magazines in order to save weight. The feed is effectedin these conditions from the distributor through feed magazines. In thiscase, the split magazines are also moved transversely into theirposition between the carrier inlet and the feed magazine outlet. Thefeed magazines used in these conditions are usually disposed so as to beimmovable.

Owing to the easy replaceability of the split magazines, the feedmagazine can be swung together with the stack of split magazines incertain forms of construction. This swinging motion is independent ofthe movement of the split magazine stack and for this purpose a certainadditional drive is provided. 7

By means of a multi-distributor mechanism in other known matrix-settingand line-casting machines a number of distributor mechanisms arepermanently connected in each case to a corresponding number ofmagazines. This avoids the disadvantage that a change cannot be made toanother magazine until all the previously released matrices have beendistributed into the associated magazine. This permits mixing inmulti-distributor machines.

Practical use of matrix-setting and line-casting machines has led to thedemand for the capacity to set both ordinary type (small body) andlarge-body type, i.e. accommodate the maximum possible choice ofdiiferent types in corresponding magazines in the machine. If, however,compliance with this requirement means sacrificing the advantages of themulti-distr-ibutor principle, it is necessary to provide a correspondingnumber of distributors owing to the larger number of magazines required.Up to a certain number of magazines, this is possible structurally butas the number increases it means an excessive structural outlay andcosts which increase out of all proportion.

While obviating these difficulties the present invention combines themulti-distributor principle and the singledistributor system in a simplemanner, preferably by constructing one or more of the magazines in amatrix- 3,080,946 Patented Mar. 5, 1853 setting and line-casting machinehaving a multi-distributor mechanism as a feed magazine to which one ofa number of split magazines can be connected at any time after the styleof the single-distributor mechanism. In this way it is possible for thefirst time to retain a limited number of distributors in amulti-distributor mechanism 'but provide a number of magazines in excessof that number. Instead of a magazine, a stack of magazines is connectedto one or more of the distributors provided, in such manner that one ofthe magazines of the stack can be brought between the carrier inlet andthe distributor at any time on the single-distributor principle.

Assuming, forexample, that the matrix-setting and line-casting machinehas four distributors and one o these distributors is in turn connectedon the single distributor principle to one of three magazines ofaseparate'stack of magazines, then this magazine can be mixed with any ofthe three standard magazines, just as the three standard magazines canbe mixed with one' another.

The new distributor mechanism is preferably constructed in such mannerthat the distribution is effected through feed magazines into splitmagazines and the feed magazines are arranged to be rockable like theother standard magazines-which are always connected to thedistributor-of the multi-distribution mechanism.

Together with the already known magazine suspension in multi-distributormachines, this gives a simple solution of the problem of feeding, intothe split magazines, matrices which are to be distributed. Moreover, theinvention has also very advantageously utilized the fact that thenecessary stock of large-body matrices can be smaller than whenordinary-type matrices are used. For this reason, the large-bodymatrices are accommodated in the split magazines, and this has thefurther advantage of saving space and weight. The provision of a feedmagazine also saves space insofar as concerns the set of magazinesconsisting of standard and split magazines; and also simplifies thechange-over of the split magazines.

This adjustment of the split magazines .to a position in front of thefeed magazine is effected in simple manner by arranging the splitmagazines in a parallel relationship to one another and in theirposition to their asso-' ciated feed magazine.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the split magazinesare arranged radially to the pivot point of their associated feedmagazine. This constitutes a particularly simple structural solutionwhich, in addition, has the advantageous possibility of making aconnection between the feed magazine and the adjusted split magazine sothat even after the change-over to one of the standard magazines thestill rotating matrices released from the split magazine before thechange over can be distributed into the associated split magazineindependently of the change-over.

In one simplified embodiment of the inventionthe feed magazine issupported on the top standard magazine as long as matrices are releasedfrom a standard magazine. When matrices are released from a splitmagazine the feed magazine bears on a stop. The constrained movement ofthe split magazines and standard magazines together with the raising andlowering of the entire stack of magazines is effected by connectingjoints between the split magazines and one of the standard magazines.Ac-

cording to one modified embodiment, this joint-like support on one ofthe standard magazines may be replaced by supporting the bottom splitmagazine on the top standard magazine, for example by means of rollers.

According to a feature of the invention, the entire stack of magazinescan be brought into the appropriate operative position by means of adrive in sequence with the position of the magazines, theabove-described connection between the split magazine and the standardmagazines by means of joints or direct support being utilized in orderto bring the split magazines into position between the carrier inlet andthe feed magazine.

The connection which is possible between the feed magazine and theadjusted split magazine when the split magazines are arranged radiallyto the pivot point \of the associated feed magazine is not eliminateduntil a split magazine has again been moved into the collectingposition, a damping system being provided for damping the. lowering ofthe feed magazine in order to simplify the change-over from one of thestandard magazines to one of the split magazines. For easy release andadjustability of this connection system, and for the purpose ofoperation effected together with the magazine change-over, the saidconnection may advantageously be effected electromagnetically accordingto the invention Embodiments of the present invention will now bedescribed by way of example with reference to the accompany-ingdrawings, in which:

- FIGURE 1 is an elevation, partly in section, showing part of amatrix-setting and line-casting machine with [four distributors, threestandard magazines, a feed magazine and three split magazines disposedin parallel relartionship to one another, the bottom split magazinehaving been brought into the matrix release position,

FIGURE 2 is an elevation similar to FIGURE 1, in which the top splitmagazine has been brought into the matrix release position,

FIGURE 3 is an elevation of a second embodiment in i which the splitmagazines are arranged radially to the pivot point of the feed magazine,the bottom split magazine being supported on the top standard magazineby way of a connecting joint,

FIGURE 4 is an elevation similar to FIGURE 3, in which the bottomstandard magazine has been brought into the matrix release position,

FIGURE 5 is a detail showing the bottom split magazine supported on thetop standard magazine by means of rollers, the split magazines beingarranged radially, and

FIGURE 6 shows an electromagnetically operated fixing system between thefeed magazine and the top split magazine, the split magazines beingarranged radially.

Like reference numbers indicate like parts in all the figures of thedrawings.

A multi-distributor mechanism 10 (FIGURE 1) is rigidly fastened on amagazine supporting frame 12. The multi-distributor mechanism 10comprises a distributor box (not shown), a distributor and a number ofreceiving boxes, the said number being determined by the number ofmagazine inlets. In the present example, the machine has four magazineinlets 14, 16, 18 and 20. The inlets are followed by four intermediateinlets 22, 24, 26 and 28. The intermediate inlet 22 adjoins a magazine30, the intermediate inlet 24, a magazine 32, and the intermediate inlet28, a magazine 34. The magazines, hereinafter referred to as thestandard magazines, 30, 32 and 34, rest on magazine frames, theexpression magazine in this context being used to denote in each case amagazine with the associated frame. The intermediate inlet 28 adjoins afeed magazine 36. While the standard magazines 30, 32 and 34 serve toreceive the matrices the feed magazine 36 acts only as a bridge betweenthe intermediate inlet 28 and the inlet to one of several splitmagazines. In the present examples three split magazines 38, 40, 42. areprovided. FIGURE 1 shows the position in which the split magazine 38 isdisposed in the matrix release position between a carrier inlet 44 andthe feed magazine outlet 46.

FIGURE 1 shows the construction of the parallel split magazines. Theyare suspended at their sides by means of connecting links 48 and 50which are aligned in parallel relationship to one another. The splitmagazines are mounted in the connecting links 50 by joints 52. The splitmagazine 42 is also mounted in the connecting link 48 by means of ajoint 54. The split magazines 48 and 38 are so mounted that they havefreedom for longitudinal movement relatively to the connecting link 48.For this reason pins 56 fastened rigidly on the split magazines 38 and40 engage in slots 58 in .the connectinglink 48; The latter has itssecond fixed pivot point 60 on the standard magazine 34. The connectinglink 58 has a bent arm 62 which extends as far as the pivot point 64.The latter is also the pivot point for the feed magazine 36. Thismounting of the split magazines by means of connecting links 48 and 50and a bent arm 62 is provided on both sides of the magazines.

The split magazines 38, 40 and 42 form a stack of magazines which isadjustable between the carrier inlet 44 and the feed magazine outlet 46after the style of a parallelogram as a rmult of the mounting described,by means of the connecting links 48 and 50, 62. The adjustment iseffected together with a swinging of the standard magazines about theirpivots 66. A connecting link 68 interconnects the standard magazines 30,32 and 34 and, during the swinging movement, eifects a parallelogrammotion. The movement of the standard magazines 30, 32 and 34 is coupledwith the movement of the split magazines 38, 40 and 42 because both theconnecting link 68 and the connecting link 48 are pivotally connected tothe standard magazine 34.

In the position shown in FIGURE 1 the feed magazine 36 bears on a fixedstop 70 by means of a roller 72.

FIGURE 2 shows the position of the parallel-arranged split magazines 38,40 and 42 when the top split magazine 42 is adjusted to between thecarrier inlet 44 and the feed magazine outlet 46. On a lowering of thestandard magazines 30, 32 and 34 the split magazines 38, 40 and 42 arealso lowered in relation to the position shown in FIGURE 1, until thesplit magazine 42 is brought into the above-described position. The feedmagazine 36 cannot follow this downward movement in comparison with theposition shown in FIGURE 1, since it bears on its stop 70 in the mannerdescribed. The stop 70 forms a fixed abutment rigidly connected to themagazine supporting frame 12.

FIGURES 3 to 6 show the. arrangement of the split magazines 38, 40 and42 in a modified embodiment. A considerable difference from theembodiment shownin FIGURES 1 and 2 is that the split magazines 38, 48and 42 in any possible position are aligned radially to the pivot point64 at the top of the feed magazine 36. This alignment is produced by anarm '74, which is mounted in the pivot point 64. At the opposite end aconnecting link 76 is rigidly connected to the arm 74. This connectinglink 76 is in turn pivotally connected to the split magazines 38, 40 and42 by means of fastenings 78. A second connecting link is rigidlyconnected to the arm 74 in a similar manner and carries the splitmagazines '38, 40 and 42 at its other end by means of fastenings 82.

A connecting link 84 is mounted on the bottom split magazine 38 and thetop standard magazine 34 by pivots 86. The split magazines 38, 40 and 42form a stack of magazines which is pivotable by means of the connectinglinks 76 and 80 and their common arms 74 radially to the pivot point 64thereof. The individual split magazines 38, 46 or 42 are adjusted bypivoting about this pivot point 64 between the carrier inlet 44 and thefeed magazine outlet 46. The adjustment is efiected together with apivoting of the standard magazines about their pivot points 6 6.Themovement of the standard magazines 30, 32 and 34 is coupled with themovement of the split magazines 3'8, 40 and 42 because both theconnecting link 68 and the connecting link 34 are pivotally connected onthe standard magazine 34.

In the position shown in FIGURE 3, the feed magazine 36 bears, by aroller 72, on the stop 70.

FIGURE 4 shows the position of the radially arranged split magazines 38,40 and 42 when the bottom standard magazine 38 has been adjusted betweenthe carrier inlet 44 and the intermediate inlet 22. On lifting thestandard magazines 30, 32 and 34, the split magazines 38, 40 and 42 arealso lifted in relation to the position shown in FIGURE 3 until the feedmagazine 36 is lifted from the stop 70 by the contact of its roller 72on a slide element 88. On the further lifting, both the split magazinestack and the feed magazine 36 together with the standard magazine stackare lifted into the position shown in FIGURE 4.

Instead of the connecting link 84, a support 90, as shown in FIGURE 5,may be provided to connect the standard magazine stack and the splitmagazine stack. A roller 92 rolls on the support '90, which is mountedon the top standard magazine 34, and the roller 92 is in turn mounted onthe bottom split magazine 38.

The arrangements described thus far enable a changeover to be made fromany one of the standard magazines to a given split magazine irrespectiveof whether the matrices previously released from the standard magazinehave already been re-distributed to said standard magazine. An operationin the reverse direction, that is to say a change-over from one of thesplit magazines to a normal magazine, presupposes with one exceptionthat the matrices previously released from the split magazine arere-distributed into the said split magazine before the actualchange-over takes place. The exception is the change-over from thebottom split magazine to one of the standard magazines. During thisoperation, the split magazine 38 and the feed magazine 36 are liftedsimultaneously, that is to say the matrices released before thechange-over process can be distributed into the split magazine 38 by wayof the feed magazine 36 independently of the operation of the completestack of magazines.

In a further embodiment of the invention it is possible to change overwithout any restriction from any one of the split magazines to astandard magazine, it being unnecessary to await the distribution of thepreviously released matrices. As shown in FIGURE 6 this possibility isprovided by an arrangement which provides a connection between the feedmagazine 36 and one of the adjusted split magazines 40 or 42. In FIGURE6 the connection is shown between the feed magazine 36 and the top splitmagazine 42. This connection device is situated directly at the outlet46 of the feed magazine 36 and the adjacent inlet of the split magazine42. The feed magazine carries locking hooks 94 which are adapted toswing out on both sides and which can each engage in opposite notchedplates 96 disposed on both sides of the split magazines 40 and 42. Noconnection is provided between the feed magazine 36 and the splitmagazine 38 since the two magazines lie in one plane in relation to oneanother by the joint-like or roller-like support on the top standardmagazine, both in the collecting position and during any operation outof this position. The swinging movement of the locking hooks 94 isadvantageously effected electromagnetically by means of a solenoid 98.

To simplify the operating process a damping system is provided fordamping the lowering movement of the feed magazine 36 and comprises apiston 102 and a cylinder 100 mounted pivotally on the supporting frame12. The piston rod 104 is, in turn, pivotally mounted on the feedmagazine 36.

The damping system comes into operation when a change-over is made fromone of the standard magazines to one of the split magazines. Forexample, assume that a change is made from the operating position shownin FIGURE 4 to a matrix release from one of the split magazines 38 and40, the fixing system shown in FIGURE 6 being provided between the feedmagazine 36 and the top split magazine 42. The change-over is thenfollowed by the release of the connection system byelectromagnetically-operated disengagement of the locking books 94. Thefeed magazine 36 thus drops under its own weight until it bears by itsroller 72 on the stop 70. The piston 102 in the cylinder is moved downby means of the piston rod 104 and thus the lowering movement of thefeed magazine 36 is damped. At the same time, the standard and splitmagazines move in opposition to this movement of the feed magazine 36until the required split magazine is brought between the carrier inlet44 and the feed magazine outlet 46 in the matrix release position.

It will be appreciated that more than one feed magazine and associatedsplit magazines may be provided if desired.

I claim:

I. A matrix-setting and line-casting machine comprising in combination amulti-distributing mechanism, a plurality of standard magazinespositioned in operative relation to and extending downwardly from saidmulti-distributing mechanism, a feed magazine of a shorter length thensaid standard magazines positioned in operative relation to andextending downwardly from said multi-distributing system, a plurality ofsplit magazines, means mounting said split magazines in operativerelation to said feed magazine and said standard magazines, and carriermeans positioned at the lower ends of said standard magazines and saidsplit magazines.

2. The combination according to claim 1 which is further characterizedby said standard and split magazines being arranged one behind the otherfrom the front to the rear of said machine with said magazines beinginclined steeply with respect to the horizontal.

3. The combination according to claim 2 including means pivotallymounting the split and standard magazines for movement to bring any oneof them into operative relationship with the carrier means.

4. The combination according to claim 3, including means mounting thesplit magazines parallel to one another and to the associated feedmagazine movable with respect to said feed magazine for selectivelypositioning one of said split magazines in line with said carrier meansand said feed magazine, said mounting means including a parallel motionlinkage.

5. The combination according to claim 3, including means mounting thesplit magazines extending radially of the pivotal axis of the associatedfeed magazine by a member pivoted about that axis for selective movementinto an in-line position of a selected one of said split magazines withsaid feed magazine and said carrier means.

6. The combination according to claim 3, wherein the feed magazine issupported by an adjacent standard magazine to move therewith so long asany Standard magazine s 111 operative relationship to the carrieroutlet, and wherean a stop is provided to engage the feed magazine andhold it stationary when any split magazine is moved into operativerelationship to the carrier outlet.

7. The combination according to claim 6, wherein the split magazines andthe standard magazines are arranged to pivot together to bring any oneof them into the operative relationship to the carrier outlet.

8. The combination according to claim 7, wherein the standard magazinesare inter-connected by links and the split magazines are inter-connectedby links and to one of the standard magazines to constrain them formovement together.

9. The combination according to claim 7, wherein the standard magazinesare inter-connected to pivot together and the split magazines areinter-connected to pivot toaeeaeae getherand are mounted, above thestandard magazines with the lowest split magazine. supported on the topstandardmagazine.

10. The combination a'ccording to claim 5, further including a devicefor connecting the feed magazine to a split magazine with which it isaligned which connection is maintained when the magazines are moved tobring any standard magazine into operative relationship with the carrieroutlet but is broken when the magazines are subsequently moved to :bringa split maga i e into opera- 10 5v device.

tive relationship to the carrier outlet, and a damping device fordamping movement of the feed magazine.

11. The combination according to claim 10 comprising electromagneticmeans foractuating the connection References Cited in the file of thispatent UNITED STATES PATENTS Kennedy Mar. 6, 1917 Muehleisen Apr. 3,1917'

1. A MATRIX-SETTING AND LINE-CASTING MACHINE COMPRISING IN COMBINATION AMULTI-DISTRIBUTING MECHANISM, A PLURALITY OF STANDARD MAGAZINESPOSITIONED IN OPERATIVE RELATION TO AND EXTENDING DOWNWARDLY FROM SAIDMULTI-DISTRIBUTING MECHANISM, A FEED MAGAZINE OF A SHORTER LENGTH THENSAID STANDARD MAGAZINES POSITIONED IN OPERATIVE RELATION TO ANDEXTENDING DOWNWARDLY FROM SAID MULTI-DISTRIBUTING SYSTEM, A PLURALITY OFSPLIT MAGAZINES, MEANS MOUNTING SAID SPLIT MAGAZINES IN OPERATIVERELATION TO SAID FEED MAGAZINE AND SAID STANDARD MAGAZINES, AND CARRIERMEANS POSITIONED AT THE LOWER ENDS OF SAID STANDARD MAGAZINES AND SAIDSPLIT MAGAZINES.